Air show returns

SHARE | Monday, 23 May 2016 | By Ontametse Sugar

Flying enthusiasts are in for a treat when the annual Rasesa air show returns on May 28, 2016 with organisers insisting it will be a bigger and better show. Organisers of the event Dewet Drilling and sponsors Wesbank Botswana took media on a flying tour to experience first-hand what the show stands for. Guillaume Knipe was the pilot for the media team. The Eqstra Harvards are coming back again this year to amuse the crowds as well as the CC Pocock – a legend – and the Cessana Bush air one with fireworks and incredible aerobatics. Fans will also see T28 Trojan, Boeing Steerman, L39 Albatros Bonanza, Sling, Bat Hawk and helicopter flips among others. The P-51 Mustang Sally – one of the key attractions – will also be available. The plane is the World War II aircraft and it is the American version of the spit fire. The thrilling Ravos Rail DC3 Dakota which is a luxury flight and also a World War II flight will also be there to demonstrate its capability.

Hentie De Wet promises a thriller of a performance at this year's airshow, which will be combined with a motor show. The event’s following has been increasing annually. President Ian Khama is expected to attend and also fly one of the aircrafts. “People should come and be of support because all this is for charity. The little money that they will pay will go a long way in helping those people in dire situations,” he said. They chose to invest more in permanent structures because the event puts Botswana on the map. He said that they see this event as a major tourism event that is capable of drawing many to Botswana. Wesbank Director Justine Basiami said this is one of the most anticipated annual events because of the fantastic line-up of aircrafts and stunts for the adrenaline junkies

. “In its three years the WesBank International Airshow has proven to be a hot pot of amazing sportsmanship, opportunities for attendees to make business connections and a great time for friends and family,” Basiami said, adding that closer to their hearts is the fact that their contribution goes towards charities who are committed to the business of changing lives for the better every day. Some of the proceeds from the WesBank Botswana International Airshow through the Matsieng Trust will be donated to four charity organisations namely Lady Khama Charitable Trust, Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation, Motswedi Rehabilitation Centre and Mochudi Resource Centre for the Blind. The show is mainly sponsored by Wesbank while Puma Energy is sponsoring with the fuel. Tickets cost P100 for elders and P50 for youngsters while children aged 6 and below get in for free.